Found this interesting article about private rail travel. It includes a short video.
Sure would be a nice way to travel.
Andy
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They are beautiful cars and would be a neat way to travel through the western U.S.
Henry made an interesting statement that there are only about 60 private rail cars in the U.S. that are approved by Amtrak.
Jim
At $40k per year in maintenance, I can see why there are so few. The Amtrak $2 per mile per car seems like a reasonable fee for travel, though. I can also see why many of the private car owners rent them out to help pay for them. I'm sure that storage fees for when they are not in use can also add up, unless the owner has some private track with a connection to a main line.
Andy
Not to be slow or anything but if they don't have their own connection to the main line, where are they storing their cars now?
Originally Posted by Gandalf97:
Not to be slow or anything but if they don't have their own connection to the main line, where are they storing their cars now?
One place I visited a few years ago was the Illinois Transit Assembly Corp. at Madison IL (near St. Louis). They offered secure space for storage of several privately owned cars and have a mainline connection.
This outfit also has several tracks of used passenger equipment for sale or rebuilding for private use. They do work on heavy-weight cars as well as Budd built stainless steel cars to meet current FRA and Amtrak requirements.
It was known as the Illinois Transit Rebuilders when I was there and met the men who ran the place and worked on the cars. They had just completed the rebuild and restoration of a 1920's heavyweight office car, which was magnificent. The name has since changed and they no longer seem to have a website.
There are other similar rail car rebuilders as well who likely offer storage. However, they are businesses and there are fees. A private rail car costs even when standing still, just like a large motor boat, a yacht or private airplane.
That sounds very interesting, Ed. Thanks for sharing the info!
Regards,
Eric S.
Saline, MI
Truly a great way to travel, if you happen to be in that top 1%, or close to it. 
Wouldn't it be great to take a cross-country trip in a setup like that? One can only dream!
You don't have to be a millionaire. There are organizations that operate private car tours on which you can book passage, prices are similar to a comperable ocean cruise.
Check out American Rail Tours, which operate out of St Louis and Chicago, usually with a looping itinerary visiting eastern locations. http://www.americanrail.com/
Depending on where you are, private car trips can be fairly reasonable. There are several cars operating out of Los Angeles UPT and some trips are only a little more expensive than a AMTRAK trip. Go to http://www.overlandtrail.com/ for an example.
Not sure if they are still being used but the Chart er Wire Company of Milwaukee had two beautiful private cars, both streamlined cars converted to private car use. The company, which manufacturers wire products like lock washers, cotter keys and other small items used the cars to entertain customers and clients. They were often seen in Milwaukee's RR station but they had a home at the company's facilities where they were kept inside in a warm and clean environment.
Many years ago I had the opportunity to ride between Chicago and Milwaukee on board during a ferry move back home. What a wonderful way to travel! Sitting out there, on the "back porch", on a nice pleasant day, enjoying a perfect martini while looking down upon the riff-raff in their automobiles. Was the ultimate in luxury!
Paul fischer
